04/08/03

VITAL REMAINS / DECHRISTIANIZE

Every now and then, completely out of the blue a band records an album that re defines a genre, not exactly re inventing it, just getting everything right at the same time and it’s fitting that a veteran band like Vital Remains have done just this.

The fact that Glen Benton is on vocals is the icing on the cake and to my ears, Glen has put in his best performance in years and knocks spots of anything Deicide have done in a long while. This is Black Metal at it’s very best, with a few twists thrown in for good measure, not only do you get Glen growling his heart out you also get some of the best twin guitar leads this side of Yngwie Malmsteen, neo classical with a Black Metal heart and it works so well. You only have to listen to "Devoured Elysium" to hear the proof and there are 7 other tracks just as good.

If Cradle Of Filth have gone too far mainstream for you this is just what you are looking for this is the sound of depravity and haltered with no holds barred, an exploration of the dark side of the human psyche, and at times an aural equivalent of putting your head in a blender. This has to be in your collection or you can’t call yourself a Metal Fan. Listen out for the epic 10 minute "Entwined In Vengeance" it is so good it could have been an Emperor Song.

DOWNLOAD : "Dechristianize" from the Century Media site above

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 60 mins + 9 TRACKS